Seroprevalence of hepatitis b virus infection amongst pregnant women at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a worldwide health care problem, especially in developing countries. An estimated one third of the global population has been infected with this virus. Two hundred (200) serum samples from pregnant women attending the antenatal centre of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria were screened for Hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) using the one step rapid chromatographic strip for HBsAg. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain the risk factors associated with viral hepatitis in the population. Out of the total samples screened, 32(16%) were found to be positive for HBsAg. The highest prevalence was recorded among the age groups 20-29 years, with overall number of 19(9.5%). Relatively high seroprevalence (8%) was also recorded among civil servants. Considering the various risk factors, the prevalence of HBV was statistically significant (p<0.05) for subjects that had blood transfusion recording 14(7%), while those with history of surgery had a prevalence of 12(6%). In addition, subjects with tribal markings/tattoo recorded 16(8%) prevalence. This study emphasises the public health importance of HBV in subjects screened, indicating that blood should be well screened before transfusion, while the populace should abstain from sharing sharp and body piercing objects in order to reduce the rate of transmission.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus antigen, pregnant women, antenatal centre, Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 5(4): 402-406, 2009